APT, the UK’s number one river cruise company to Asia in terms of volume, has launched its 2022-23 Mekong River cruising programme, with its brands debuting two new ships in Vietnam and Cambodia: APT’s luxury newbuild, the Mekong Serenity, and the new-to-Travelmarvel RV Apsara. An introductory booking offer includes savings of up to £1,650 per person*.
ABOUT APT’S MEKONG SERENITY
APT’s Vietnam and Cambodia river cruises will sail on the all-new Mekong Serenity. Luxuriously spacious, the ship has been custom-built for the brand, with a maximum capacity of 88 guests and some of the largest entry-level suites of any vessel cruising the Mekong River.
Dining options include the Horizon Bar & Grill, and the Indochine restaurant, which serves an authentic taste of Vietnam with a special five-course menu. The Harmony Lounge and Bar offers nightly entertainment such as Apsara dance performances.
Guests can soak up panoramic views of the bustling life along the Mekong from the ship’s spacious Sun Deck, recharge after a day’s exploring in the Serenity Spa and Wellness Centre or take a dip in the onboard swimming pool.
The Mekong Serenity will sail two Luxury APT itineraries:
- The 15-day Vietnam and Cambodia Highlights, from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, which costs from £4,145 per person (was £5,295, saving £1,150*). Highlights of the included sightseeing in 12 destinations are dining on authentic cuisine at Vietnam House in Ho Chi Minh City, founded by Australia-born Vietnamese celebrity chef Luke Nguyen; an authentic Vietnamese cooking class; and learning how rice paper is made.
- The 19-day Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery, from Hanoi to Siem Reap, which costs from £5,845 per person (was £7,495, saving £1,650*). Highlights of the included sightseeing in 13 destinations are a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony at a monastery in Oudong, and a special sunrise experience in Angkor Wat.
Both trips operate from July 2022 to March 2023 and include return flights, home-to-airport transfers by private car, seven nights aboard the Mekong Serenity and luxury hotel accommodation on land, luxury dining and a wide range of onboard beverages, and all transportation on trip.
ABOUT TRAVELMARVEL’S RV APSARA
New to Travelmarvel (APT’s ‘Essential’ river cruise brand) for 2022 is the RV Apsara. Previously serving as part of the APT fleet, the all-balcony, 54 suite Apsara heralds a new level of luxury for Travelmarvel’s guests on the Mekong next year.
With a maximum capacity of 108 guests, facilities onboard include the Sun Deck with amazing views and reclining loungers, the air-conditioned Lounge, and a Spa for pampering. Guests will be kept entertained on board with an immersive programme, including lectures by local guides on Cambodian and Vietnamese culture and history, a fruit-carving demonstration by the ship’s executive chef, and an evening of Khmer folk song and dance.
In the air-conditioned Mekong Restaurant guests can indulge in chef-prepared, international and local cuisine, enjoy a drink in the Saigon Lounge & Bar or relax with an espresso at Le Viêt Nam Café.
The RV Apsara will sail two Essential Travelmarvel itineraries:
- The 14-day Essential Vietnam and Cambodia, from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, which costs from £2,945 per person (was £3,945, saving £1,000*). Highlights of the trip include meeting with underprivileged children at Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA) in Siem Reap and getting a glimpse into the organisation that supports them by providing a creative, educative and loving environment; and seeing an Apsara dance performance.
- The 18-day Discover Vietnam and Cambodia, from Hanoi to Siem Reap, which costs from £3,695 per person (was £4,695, saving £1,000*). Highlights of the trip include an incredible two-night junk cruise on World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay; and a rickshaw ride and dining at the unique KOTO in Hanoi. KOTO stands for ‘Know One, Teach One’, and gives disadvantaged youths the opportunity to train at its culinary school.
Both trips operate from July 2022 to March 2023 and include return flights, seven nights aboard the RV Apsara and hotel accommodation on land, meals and select complimentary beverages served with lunch and dinner on board.
“As the number the one river cruise line in Asia by volume, the Mekong is a key destination for APT and our agent partners, so we are thrilled to announce our return to Vietnam and Cambodia in 2022 and ‘23,” said Paul Melinis, APT’s Managing Director.
“Having amazing new ships from both the APT and Travelmarvel brands gives the trade something new and fresh to talk to their customers about. Our Sales Team has been busy working on supportive sales assets, so agents can reach out to our Head of Sales, Jessica Shelton-Agar, and her team for any help in promoting this amazing new product.”
For more information, agents should visit aptouring.co.uk and APTAgentClub.co.uk.
